Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common members of the herpes family. It penetrates into the epithelial tissue of a person and affects b-lymphocytes. Currently, it is known that half of children of five years of age have antibodies to it, in the adult population this indicator approaches 90%.
Epstein-Barr virus enters the human body in a variety of ways. The main ones include contact (with saliva, through household items), blood transfusion, genital, airborne. Further, this dangerous microorganism enters the lymph nodes. Under favorable conditions that arise when the immune system is weakened, the virus enters the bloodstream, lymph, and then spreads throughout all body systems and accumulates mainly in the spleen, salivary glands, uterus, liver, and sex glands of men.
A significant number of distribution pathways causes a fairly wide range of diseases that the Epstein-Barr virus causes. When infected at an early age, the arising pathological conditions often occur with mild clinical symptoms. However, in some cases, this virus can also provoke the development of the tumor or its progression. The main such neoplasms include Burkette's lymphoma (African form), nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma. The latter occurs in HIV-infected people. One of the dangerous diseases that the Epstein-Barr virus can cause is considered infectious mononucleosis. This disease can also cause the appearance of malignant neoplasms.
Enlarged lymph nodes located in the occipital region are a pathognomonic symptom that characterizes the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms of this disease can also be caused by impaired function of the spleen and liver. These conditions are observed due to an increase in the parenchyma of these organs, the cause of which are inflammatory changes caused by the virus. In very rare cases, there is damage to the skin, heart, and nervous system. Sometimes a spontaneous rupture of the spleen occurs , which results in massive internal bleeding that directly threatens the patient's life.
The duration of this disease is 1-3 months, then it in most cases is independently cured.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is the most effective diagnostic method that can determine the Epstein-Barr virus. In this case, heterophilic antibodies are identified, which belong to the class of immunoglobulins M and are specific markers. In some cases, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is used, which also allows you to detect immunoglobulins that belong to classes G and M.
Diseases caused by this microorganism do not have specific treatment methods. The only therapy that is used in the event of such conditions is symptomatic. Patients need a strict bed rest, restriction of any physical activity. Otherwise, spleen rupture may occur. Almost all cases of the disease have a favorable prognosis. Very rarely, pathological neoplasms arise, for the treatment of which antitumor drugs are used. After suffering a disease, patients may be disturbed for some time by weakness, malaise. In all cases, it is advisable to prescribe fortifying therapy, agents that directly enhance immunity. During the first two weeks, any heavy physical activity is contraindicated.